Open to film enthusiasts aged 16 to 19, the BFI Film Academy at DCA’s Discovery Film School Dundee offers participants the chance to work with professional artists to learn the filmmaking process, from generating ideas right through to shooting, editing and screening a finished film at DCA.

British Film Institute (BFI) 5-19 Programme funds the UK-wide scheme ‘Film Academy’ and DCA is one of five venues in Scotland to offer it. This year they will also be offering a new qualification, NCFE Level 2 Award in Preparing to Work in the Film Industry, so all your skills and work will be formally recognised. The course runs from August to December and takes place on Thursday evenings. Special technical skills days take place on specific weekends during this period and in October there are two intensive production weeks (it is expected that you will be able to attend at least one of these weeks).

Topics covered include camera operation, sound recording, lighting, editing, development of ideas, experimentation, exhibition and marketing; with talks from curators and industry professionals with lots of careers advice.

A full course schedule (aspects are subject to change) is available on DCA’s website. Please note the key dates in October when you must commit to a week of production activity. No experience of practical filmmaking is required to take part, but applicants should be able to demonstrate an interest in film and a real commitment to the project.

The cost to take part is £25, with further BFI bursaries available for anyone in need of assistance for travel or access and support needs.

Last year one young person joined the course just to take stills photographs of the production; she found that she really enjoyed editing as a skill, and so was encouraged to apply for a BFI editing residential course, and from that achieved a fully funded place on a new Scottish course; and last week was offered a job with a TV production company in Glasgow at the age of 18.

How to Apply

Click here to visit DCA’s website and download the application form, then fill it in and send it back. There are only 12 places available so applications will be assessed on enthusiasm, ability to attend the key October dates in the programme and a demonstrable interest in film.

The deadline for applications is Mon 8 August at 17:00.

To find out more about BFI Film Academy, BFI Residentials, further training and career routes visit their website by clicking here.